Matti Hirvikangas (b. 1953) studied viola under the direction of such teachers as Bruno Giuranna at the Detmold Academy of Music. Since then he has served as Principal Viola with the Oslo Opera, the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and presently with the Finnish National Opera. Hirvikangas has earned a reputation as an eminent chamber musician and has, for many years, lent his support to the Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival and served as a member of the Jean Sibelius Quartet.